This week’s blog will focus on all things German. Well, some things German. The choice was prompted by an upcoming exciting and a recent depressing event. Exciting things first: Zeitgeist Northwest is presenting its German Film Festival at Cinema 21 starting October 6th.  (Depressing news are, of course, the results of the German election, which will be discussed tomorrow.)

The Portland German Film Festival is in its 8th year, and offering once again challenging and amusing fare. Our organization is lucky to have a movie whiz, Yvonne Behrens, who has the knowledge and connections to get some cutting edge films to Portland; she also does the work of 10 people single handedly, with an energy and commitment that is mind-boggling. Films will be shown at Cinema 21 in German with English subtitles. For detailed info look here:

http://portlandgermanfilmfestival.com

The very first day, this Friday, has some ápropos selections:  During the day PPGF will show Hitler’s Hollywood – German Cinema during the age of propaganda 1933-1945 with subsequent panel discussion. Here is the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=mTkzrifyrFk  

“We ask what the Nazi cinema of the Third Reich reveals about its period and its people? How do these films, including their myths, their stories, their open lies and hidden truths, affect the future of the history of German cinema?
The Nazi-cinema was a state-controlled industry, subject to rigid political and cultural censorship. At the same time, it aspired to be “Great Cinema”; it viewed itself as an ideological and aesthetic alternative to Hollywood. A German dream factory. This state-funded studio-based cinema followed industrial modes of production.”  

Given the rise of right-wing, populist nationalism in Germany it seems ever more important to look back at the history of how these movements came to power, including their use of media. Certainly the current scourge of neo-nazi revival knows about that – with the help of no other than Harris Media, a Texas-based PR firm used by Trump, Ted Cruz, Sarah Palin and Benjamin Netanyahu. Check out this video they made about an “islamic” Germany… and of course the American Mercers, prime supporters of Steve Bannon’s movement and the Breitbart empire, have their moneygrubbing and -dispensing hands in media influence over another country’s election as well….

.http://www.dw.com/en/dwnews-afd-joins-forces-with-trumps-former-pr-team/av-40316399

https://theintercept.com/2017/09/22/german-election-afd-gatestone-institute/

Friday night you’ll be able to see a bittersweet comedy about refugee integration with a stellar cast. Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany Hans-Ulrich Südbeck will give the opening remarks before the screening of Welcome to Germany – Willkommen bei den Hartmanns. http://portlandgermanfilmfestival.com/film/welcome-to-germany-willkommen-bei-den-hartmanns/

Films will not all be political, though. For those of us interested in art I recommend a period drama about Egon Schiele. http://portlandgermanfilmfestival.com/film/egon-schiele-death-and-the-maiden-egon-schiele-tod-und-madchen/

Then there is religion: the premiere of a film about Martin Luther for the 500th anniversary of the protestant revolution. http://portlandgermanfilmfestival.com/film/reformation-himmel-und-holle-this-is-a-free-event-500th-anniversary-of-the-protestant-reformation/

Really, there is something for everything in-between – just check out the website!

 

Oh, and heartthrob Moritz Bleibtreu will receive the Portland German Film Festival Award 2017. Find your favorite seat and see me at the movies.